Balansa Clover

Balansa Clover

Trifolium michelianum
 
    	
  • aerial seeding, erect or semi-erect, much-branched plant
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  • self-seeding annual,
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  •  a temperate legume which grows to over 80 cm tall but remains prostrate when grazed
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  • hollow, hairless stems
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  • three hairless trifoliate leaflets, of varying size, shape and leaf marking.
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  • leaflets are generally plain green while others have white to silver, pink or purple markings
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  • flowers in clusters head 2 - 3 cm in diameter, small white-pink flowers
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  • 3-4 Seeds in a Pod which shatter easily on maturity
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  • Used as a part of permanent pastures, or in hay mixtures or cover crops
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  • grows in temperate climates
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  •  annual rainfall of 350 - 800 mm
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  • early flowering varieties like lower rainfall, 
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  • later flowering varieties to higher rainfall areas,  
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  • grows successfully under irrigation
 
pros
    	
  • produces a large number of seeds
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  • hard seeded in cool climates
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  • grow in a range of soil types, preferring soils of moderate to high fertility 
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  • excellent waterlogging tolerance 
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  • thrives in a wide range of soil types and pHs - adapted to acid and alkaline soils (pH 5.4 - 9.0) performs best where pH is below 8.3
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  • mild salinity tolerance
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  • self seeds well on suitable soils under appropriate grazing management
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  • good frost tolerance.
 
cons
    	
  • Not suited to deep sandy soils
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  • intolerant of moderate to high soil salinity
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  • Slow establishment if sown under cold conditions